Dispenser for pressurized products



May 7, 1963 R. A. FULTON ETAL DISPENSER FOR PRESSURIZED PRODUCTS FiledJuly 19, 1960 FIG. I 2

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INVENTORS ROBERT A. FULTON ALFRED H. YEOMANS ATTORNEYS United StatesPatent 3,088,680 DISPENSER FOR PRESSURIZED PRODUCTS Robert A. Fulton,Silver Spring, Md., and Alfred H. Yeomans, Washington, D.C., assignorsto the United States ofltAmerica as represented by the Secretary ofAgricu nre Filed July 19, E60, Ser. No. 43,963 4 Claims. (Cl. 239-337)(Granted under Title 35, US. Code (1952), see. 266) A non-exclusive,irrevocable, royalty-free license in the invention herein described,throughout the world for all purposes of the United States Government,with the power to grant sublicenses for such purposes, is hereby grantedto the Government of the United States of America.

This application is a continuation-impart of application bearing SerialNo. 769,516, filed October 24, 1958, now abandoned.

This invention relates to a dispenser comprising a contamer and aninternal dispensing device adapted to selectively discharge a desiredphase of its contents by a propellent gas under pressure, also containedtherein, regardless of the position of the container.

The invention has as among its objects the provision of such a dispenserfor dispensing contents such as decontammants for clothing, plasticgear, mobile equipment, aircraft, or any type of decontaminan-t wherethe use of steam under pressure is impractical, insecticides tohorizontal or low vertical surfaces, and other materials such as shavingcreams, liquid hair nets, paints, and lubricating oils.

A further object of the invention is to provide a dis penser of theabove character which will not discharge the propellent gas alone whenthe dispenser is improperly positioned, as for example, inverted.

A further object is the provision of a dispenser of the above characterwhich obviates the need of a nozzle havmg expansion chambers.

Other objects will be apparent from the description of the invention.

To discharge contents of a conventional pressurized container byinternal pressure, a propellent gas, such as air, nitrous oxide, carbondioxide, a low-boiling hydrocarbon, a chlorofluorohydrocarbon, or CH Cl,or any mixture of these is used. The gas may be soluble or insoluble inthe other contents and may be lighter or heavier than the othercontents. The contents are conventionally forced through a dispensingdevice, such as a rigid tube, a dispensing valve, and a dispensingnozzle having expansion chambers, in that order to produce the desiredtype of product, such as an aerosol of fine particles, a medium or finemist, a coarse spray, a foam type product like shaving lather, whippedcream or hand lotion, a dust, or a gas. With such ordinary dispensers,if the container is held in the wrong position, as, for example, in aninverted position, so that the dispensing nozzle points downwardly, thewrong phase of the contents will escape with resultant waste of product.In some instances, the propellent gas will escape and since the pressureis no longer present, the remaining contents will become useless sincethey will not be expelled. The dispenser provided by the instantinvention obviates these deficiencies in that it dispenses the properphase of the contents of the container regardless of the position of thecontainer. The dispenser of the invention, furthermore, obviates theneed of using a dispensing nozzle having expansion chambers.

According to the invention, there is provided a dispenser comprising apressure-resistant container, having a dispensing nozzle provided withan orifice adapted to be opened to the atmosphere, for dispensing fluidcontents,

3,088,680 Patented May 7, 1963 e.g., a liquid under pressure, as forexample, under pressure of a propellent gas as described above. These isalso provided a flexible, non-kinking capillary tube which functions asan eduction tube and has one end communicating with the nozzle orificeand its other end communicating with the fluid contents to be dispensed,preferably under the surface thereof if the contents to be dispensed isa liquid.

An essential feature of the invention relates to the eduction tube whoseinternal diameter and corresponding length are so selected as to becapable of producing a capillary effect in the tube whereby boiling ofthe contents in the tube occurs when the nozzle orifice is opened to theatmosphere. In effect, under these circumstances, the pressurizedsolution, as it flow-s through the tube, boils or forms a consecutiveseries of bubbles of gas. These bubbles are essentially a series ofexpansion chambers that eliminate the need for expansion chambers in thenozzle which otherwise are necessary to atomize and control the size ofthe particles as they emerge from the discharge outlet.

For this reason, the nozzle and valve structure can now be madeexceedingly simple since all that is necessary is for the eduction tubeto be connected to the nozzle orifice and the need for an expansionchamber is eliminated. Any size orifice can be used in the nozzle aslong as its diameter is not smaller than the internal diameter of theeduction tube.

Means are also provided for continuously maintaining communicationbetween the said other end of the eduction tube and the fluid contentsto be dispensed regardless of the position of the container. Such meansare exemplified by a weight of the proper specific gravity secured tothe end of said other end of the eduction tube, and which, when thefluid contents to be dispersed is a liquid, is submerged below thesurface of the liquid.

To produce an aerosol of the proper particle size with liquefied gasformulations of the type described above, a suitable boiling of theformulation must occur as it is being released. This is effected inprior art devices by orifices and expansion chambers in the nozzle.

In the present invention, there has been incorporated a capillary'tubeeffect in the eduction tube so that no constricting orifices orexpansion chambers are needed in the nozzle to produce the properboiling of the formulation. As explained above, the pressurizedsolution, as it flows through the eduction tube, boils or forms a seriesof bubbles of gas which are essentially a series of expansion chambers.In addition, this action in the eduction tube has been coupled withflexibility in the tube to enable the said weight at the end to seek thelowest point in the container as the position of the container changesthereby permitting the proper contents of the container to be dispensedat all times regardless of the position of the container.

The capillary eifect causes boiling of the formulation in the eductiontube and is a result of pressure drop due to friction. This effect is afunction of the internal diameter size, the roughness of the innersurface, and the length of the tube, as well as the ingredients in theformulation. These factors must be balanced to obtain the desired particle size and output of the formulation as it is emitted. For properoperation, it is necessary that the outlet orifice of the nozzle be notsmaller, that is, equal to or larger than, the internal diameter of theeduction tube. The inside diameter of the eduction tube may vary from0.010 to 0.100 inch and the length may vary from /2 inch to several feetdepending on the size of the container and other factors involved.

The following internal diameters and corresponding lengths of theeduction tube have been found to be effective in producing a particlesize in the aerosol range with standard formulations of 85 percentpropellant and 15 percent active ingredient:

Internal diameter of Length of eduction tube eduction tube (inches):(inches) 0.0135 0.5 to 1.0 0.017 0.75 to 2.0 0.024 1.0 to 4.0

0.029 4.0 to 6.0 0.040 4.0 to 8.0

The tube lengths listed above may be increased depending on the size canthat is used.

In the accompanying drawing FIG. 1 is a view of a dispenser of theinvention in a normal upright position and partly in cross-section;

FIG. 2 is a view of the dispenser of FIG. 1 in an inverted position andalso partially in cross-section;

FIG. 3 is a cross section of a weight hung from the eduction tube,exemplifying a means for continuously maintaining communication betweenthe said other end of the eduction tube and the fluid to be dispensed;and

FIG. 4 is a detail showing the bubbling efiect in the capillary tube.

Referring to the drawing, the dispenser comprises a conventionalcontainer 11 adapted to hold contents under pressure of a propellent gasand to release said contents to the atmosphere through a conventionaldispensing valve, such as breakofl? valve 12, and a communicatingdispensing nozzle 13. Means for permitting the release of the contentsto the atmosphere through the orifice of the nozzle regardless of theposition of the container is provided in the form of a dispensing devicecomprising a flexible, non-kinking eduction tube 14, preferably made ofpolyethylene and of an internal diameter of capillary dimensions and acorresponding length sufficient to produce the boiling efie'ctdescribedabove when the orifice of the nozzle is opened to the atmosphere. Thediameter of the orifice of the nozzle is not smaller than the internaldiameter of the eduction tube. One end of the ed-ucationtube is fixedto, and communicates with, the said dispensing valve 12 while its otherend passesthrough a longitudinal hole 15 in the center of a weight 16.The hole 15 comprises a narrow entrance end and a wider exit end coaxialtherewith. 'An expansion tube 19, coaxial with said entrance and exitends of hole 15, tightly fitted within the said wider exit end, firmlywedges the said other'end of said eduction tube and compresses itagainst the walls of said exit end. As a result of this structure, theweight '16 is firmly hung to the said other end of the eduction tube,which, in thus extending through the'full length of hole 15,communicates direct l with the contents of the'container.

As "an example of a satisfactory dispenser, the container 11, having aninternal diameter of about 2 inches and having a conventional dispensingvalve and a nozzle provided with an orifice of a diameter not less than0.040 inch, as, for example, a Can type III, is preferred. The'eductiontube 14 is preferably constructed of polyethylene, has an outer diameterof 0.075 inch, an internal diameter of 0.040 inch, and is 11 /2 incheslong. Its dimensions must be such as to preventkiuking. The length ofhole 15 corresponds to the diameter of the weight 16 and is 0.625 inchlong. The entrance end of hole 15 is 0.35 inch longand 'has a diameterof 0.078 inch while the exit end is .275 inch long and has a diameter of0.094 inch. Expansion tube 19 is 0.15 inch long, has an outer diameterof 0.60 inch, and an inner diameter of 0.030 inch. 7

If the contents of the container comprise a liquid phase and a lightergas phase, and if it is desired to .empty the liquid phase, the weightis made heavy so that it always at the lower point no matter whatposition the container is in, that it, being submerged below the surfaceofthe liquid." If the gas phase is to be released, the weight can bemade light so that it will float on the liquid. If there are severalphases in the container, the weight can be made to float in the phasedesired to be released by using a weight of the proper specific gravity.

In operating the dispenser, the dispensing nozzle is opened to theatmosphere as for example, by breaking off breakotf valve 12., as aresult of which the phase to be released is propelled by the propellentgas into the exit end of hole 15, then passes through the narrowerentrance end of hole 15, and then up through the eduction tube and outto the atmosphere through the orifice of the dispensing nozzle.

As an illustration of the use of the dispenser of the invention todecontaminate clothing, contained, for example, in a large bag, thecharged dispenser may be dropped into the bag, the bag closed, and thebreakoif valve then broken ofi whereup the contents of the contaiuerarereleased to decontaminate the clothing and will do so regardless of theposition of the container in the bag.

We claim:

1. A dispenser comprising a closed, pressure-resistant container, havinga dispensing nozzle provided with an orifice adapted to be opened to theatmosphere, for dispensing fluid contents under pressure, a flexible,nonkinking eduction tube having one end communicating with said nozzleorifice and having its other end in communication with said fluidcontents to be dispensed, said nozzle orifice having a diameter notsmaller than the internal diameter of said eduction tube, said eductiontube having an internal diameter of capillary dimensions ranging aboutfrom 0.010 to 0.100 inch and a corresponding length suflicient toproduce boiling in said tube when the orifice of the nozzle is opened tothe atmosphere, and means for continuously maintaining communicationbetween said other end of the eduction tube and said fluid contents tobe dispensed regardless of the position of the container.

2. A dispenser comprising a closed, pressure-resistant container, havinga dispensing nozzle provided with an orifice adapted to be opened to theatmosphere, for dispensing fluid contents under pressure, a flexible,nonkinking eduction tube having one end communicate with said nozzleorifice and having its other end in communication with said fiuidcontents to be dispensed, said nozzle orifice having a diameter notsmaller than the internal diameter of said eduction tube, said eductiontube having an internal diameter of capillary dimensions ranging aboutfrom 0.010 to 0.100 inch and a corresponding length suflicient toproduce boiling in said tube when the orifice of the nozzle is opened tothe atmosphere, and means, secured to said other end of the eductiontube, adapted to continuously maintain the said other end of theeduction tube in communication with the fluid contents to be dispensedregardless of the position of the container.

3; A dispenser comprising a closed, pressure-resistant container, havinga dispensing nozzle provided with an orifice adapted to be opened to theatmosphere, for dispensing one phase of multi-phase fluid contents underpressure, a flexible, non-kinking eduction tube having one endcommunicating with said nozzle orifice and having its other end incommunication with the phase to be dispensed, said nozzle orifice havinga diameter not smaller than the internal diameter of said eduction tube,said eduction tube having an internal diameter of capillary dimensionsranging about from 0.010 to 0.100 inch and a corresponding lengthsufiicent to produce boiling in said tube when the orifice of the nozzleis opened to the atmosphere, and-means of such specific gravity securedto said other end of the eduction tube as to continuously maintain saidother end in communication with said phase to be dispensed regardless ofthe position of the container.

4. A dispenser comprising a closed, pressure-resistant container, havinga dispensing nozzle provided with an orifice adapted to be opened to theatmosphere, for dispensing a liquid under pressure, a flexible,non-kinking eduction tube having one end communicating with said nozzleorifice and having its other end in communication with the liquid to bedispensed, said nozzle orifice having a diameter not smaller than theinternal diameter of said eduction tube, said eduction tube having aninternal diameter of capillary dimensions ranging about from 0.010 to0.100 inch and a corresponding length sufiicient to produce boiling insaid tube When the orifice of the nozzle is opened to the atmosphere,and a weight of such specific gravity secured to said other end of theeduction tube as to continuously maintain said other end below thesurface of the said liquid regardless of the position of the container.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 69,882Williams Oct. 15, 1867 1,503,125 Iddings July 29, 1924 2,046,300 BennerJune 30, 1936 2,530,583 Nurkiewicz Nov. 21, 1950 2,811,390 Kiraly Oct.29, 1957

1. A DISPENSER COMPRISING A CLOSED, PRESSURE-RESISTANT CONTAINER, HAVINGA DISPENSING NOZZLE PROVIDED WITH AN ORIFICE ADAPTED TO BE OPENED TO THEATMOSPHERE, FOR DISPENSING FLUID CONTENTS UNDER PRESSURE, A FLEXIBLE,NONKINKING EDUCTION TUBE HAVING ONE END COMMUNICATING WITH SAID NOZZLEORIFICE AND HAVING ITS OTHER END IN COMMUNICATION WITH SAID FLUIDCONTENTS TO BE DISPENSED, SAID NOZZLE ORIFICE HAVING A DIAMETER NOTSMALLER THAN THE INTERNAL DIAMETER OF SAID EDUCTION TUBE, SAID EDUCTIONTUBE HOVING AN INTERNAL DIAMETER OF CAPILLARY DIMENSIONS RANGING ABOUTFROM 0.010 TO 0.100 INCH AND A CORRESPONDING LENGTH SUFFICIENT TOPRODUCE BOILING IN SAID TUBE WHEN THE ORIFICE OF THE NOZZLE IS OPENED TOTHE ATMOSPHERE, AND MEANS FOR CONTINUOUSLY MAINTAINING COMMUNCIATION BE-